#AsianQualifiers: How it stands

Thu, 30 May, 2024

#AsianQualifiers: How it stands

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualifiers – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ returns for the final two matchdays with still much to play for.

While several teams have already booked their spots in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals, numerous sides need results on the final two matchdays to earn their berths.

The-AFC.com takes a look at how the groups stand ahead of Matchday Five on June 6.

Bounou stars as Al Hilal edge Al Nassr to lift Saudi King's Cup

Sat, 01 Jun, 2024

Bounou stars as Al Hilal edge Al Nassr to lift Saudi King's Cup

Riyadh: Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two spot-kicks as Al Hilal edged Al Nassr 5-4 on penalties in the Saudi King's Cup final on Friday.

With the match having ended 1-1 after 120 minutes with Al Hilal reduced to nine men and Al Nassr 10, Bounou saved Ali Al Hassan and Meshari Al Nemer's efforts in the shootout as Al Hilal completed the League and Cup double.

Al Sadd sign Spanish forward Rafa Mujica

Fri, 31 May, 2024

Al Sadd sign Spanish forward Rafa Mujica

Doha: Spanish forward Rafa Mujica has signed a four-year deal with Al Sadd SC, the Qatar Stars League champions announced on Thursday.

Mujica, who represented Spain at the U19 level, joins Al Sadd from Portuguese side FC Arouca.

Japan cruise past New Zealand; Australia fight back to hold China PR

Sat, 01 Jun, 2024

Japan cruise past New Zealand; Australia fight back to hold China PR

Murcia: Japan scored either side of half-time to defeat New Zealand 2-0 in an international women's friendly in Murcia, Spain on Friday.

Australia, meanwhile, needed a last-gasp equaliser to hold China PR 1-1 in their friendly in Adelaide.

Both Japan and Australia are using the friendlies to prepare for the Paris Olympic Games.

IR Iran fall to Belarus

Fri, 31 May, 2024

IR Iran fall to Belarus

Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran fell to a 3-0 defeat against Belarus in an international women’s friendly played on Thursday.

This was the first of two matches between the two sides with the second friendly to be played on Sunday.

#ACL 2023/24: The Stats Leaders

Thu, 30 May, 2024

#ACL 2023/24: The Stats Leaders

Kuala Lumpur: After Al Ain FC’s victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 final brought to a close the last edition of the tournament in its current format, the-AFC.com takes an in-depth look at the numbers and players that excelled during the campaign.

There were many exceptional performers in another memorable chapter of Asia's top-tier club competition as we analyse the stats to assess some of the key categories and those who stood out.